Medibank

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The Priorities Review staff warned cabinet that excessive
spending on advertising Medibank could bring accusations of using
public funds for political advantage. The $1.5 million involved
would scarcely raise an eyebrow today.

Bill Hayden, the social security minister, argued that a major
advertising campaign was necessary to introduce the new health
insurance scheme.

The health funds, much of the medical profession and the
Coalition opposed the scheme, and Hayden believed a brand name was
needed to counter claims it was a socialist plot.

The Medibank bills passed the only joint Senate-House of
Representatives sitting ever held, 95 votes to 92. The Fraser
government weakened Medibank but the Hawke government reinstated it
in 1984 as Medicare.

Aboriginal affairs was a winner in the government's
determination to implement reform. The minister, Jim Cavanagh,
sought an extra $103 million for Aboriginal advancement, an
increase of 114 per cent on 1973-74. The treasurer, Frank Crean,
wanted 40 per cent.

Gough Whitlam wanted responsibility for policy planning and
co-ordination to rest with the federal government, not the states.
He wanted more consultation with Aboriginal people on health,
education and housing, the development of representative bodies and
land rights. The Queensland premier, Joh Bjelke-Petersen, opposed
him.

The attorney-general, Lionel Murphy, overcame opposition to his
Family Law Bill, which made irretrievable breakdown of marriage the
only ground for divorce. Marcus Loane, Anglican archbishop of
Sydney, asked that the government oppose the bill. "I had to
disappoint the archbishop," Whitlam said.